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I will be purchasing a new machine soon. The local dealer will let me borrow 2 machines to test them out over the weekend (17-18 Feb). I’m going to be borrowing a Husqvarna Designer II and a Bernina PQE 170. I have some plans for sewing already:
a light jacket (cotton fabric)
quilting a baby quilt (the quilting part, the patchwork is done)
a bra (to use lycra material)
Does anyone have a suggestion for something else I should do so I can really get a good idea of which machine I prefer?
Jennifer
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Replies
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Jennifer, be sure to try the buttonhole features. I am interested in the designer II (would love to hear what you think about it) but have heard the buttonhole guiding foot does not work well on all fabric types.
*Thanks for the tip. As it turns out, I didn't test the Designer II. The Bernina is dual voltage (a new feature in this year's model) which made all the difference to me. I did test the button hole on the Bernina. I made a few corded buttonholes using embroidery floss under the buttonhole and it was easy as pie and came out GREAT. The buttonhole foot has a hook so the cord end up in the perfect place all by itself - I'd never seen that before and was very impressed.Jennifer
*I am also shopping for a new machine....what price range is this Bernima PQE 170 you seem impressed with?Thank You.Chantal Da Rosa
*I'm in England and was able to purchase it tax free. Total price was approx. $1,800 - I think that is considerably less than in the US. I did not buy the embroidery attachment. . .. perhaps in the future. Jennifer
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